Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was incredibly upset with himself after he struck out in his first at-bat against the Cleveland Indians on Monday. He let his emotions get the best of him and tossed out a few expletives, which were unfortunately picked up by the television microphones. This did not make manager Dusty Baker happy.
“I understand (his frustration),” Baker said after the game, via Cincinnati.com. “I have a son that idolizes him. Sometimes an open display of displeasure is not a good example, whether you come through or not later. Joey is the face of baseball.
“I’d like to see him temper it a little bit.”
Votto later came through with a huge two-run homer in the 8th inning that broke a 2-2 tie and resulted in a 4-2 victory for the Reds. Like a disappointed parent, Baker made sure to let his All-Star know that his outburst was unacceptable even on a day where he played the hero.
Baker also said on Monday that he wishes Johnny Cueto and Matt Garza could be locked in a room together to fight it out after Garza ripped Cueto for throwing over David DeJesus’ head on Sunday.
“Just put them in a room, let them box and let it be over with,” Baker said. “I always said this, let it be like hockey, let them fight, someone hits the ground and it’s over with. I’m serious about that.”
Baker’s comments about Garza and Cueto fighting may sound contradictory when compared to his remarks about Votto’s outburst, but he did say to lock them in a room. I doubt he minds Votto swearing in the clubhouse, he just doesn’t like when it ends up on TV for all to hear.
H/T Hardball Talk
